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PETSTOP'S HINTS FOR NEW CAT OWNERS

What does a cat need to thrive and be happy? How much care do they need? These cat care tips should help you if you have just acquired your first cat, or if you are trying to decide whether a cat is the right pet for you.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Traditionally cats are given free-range of house and garden and beyond. However, as more and more cats are killed on the roads, more and more owners are keeping their cats indoors. Owners of valuable pure-bred cats may also keep their cats in to avoid their being stolen. Cats that are given free access to the great outdoors may also kill large numbers of garden birds, a situation that is not pleasing to all cat owners. You can help to give the birds some warning by ensuring that your cat wears a cat collar with a bell. If you do plan to keep your cat indoors, it is a good idea to build a secure run to which your cat has access via a cat flap or open window.

A Place to Cat-Nap

Every cat appreciates having a secure cozy place to sleep. Cats are masters at finding a comfy place - usually your favourite armchair, but they should also have a bed of their own. Petstop has a range of beds. The best beds, in a cat’s eyes, are those that are soft and enclosed. From an owner’s point of view, the bed should also be easy to wash.

A Place to Poop

Every cat should be trained to use a cat litter tray, even if they normally have access to the garden. A time will come when your cat needs to be confined, perhaps when it is unwell or when you are away, and then you will appreciate the fact that your pet is litter trained.

A basic cat litter tray is just a shallow tray, but fancy cat toilets, fully enclosed with a cat flap entrance, are also available. There is a choice of litter types too – mineral-based, wood based, and charcoal-based. Some are biodegradable, and therefore better for the environment. Your choice may be dictated by your cat – some cats will only use the litter of their choice. In addition to the tray and litter, it is advisable to buy a special slatted tool for removing the poop – a chore that should be done at least once a day.

A Place to Scratch

Cats are hunters and their instinct is to keep their claws sharp. Wild felines sharpen their claws on tree trunks. This also serves to leave a calling card for others of their species – the higher you scratch, the bigger you are! In a household situation, this instinct can result in shredded upholstery. To avoid such a problem, buy your kitten a purpose build scratch post and encourage it to use it while still young. Scratch posts come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit every budget.

A Healthy Diet

Always feed a commercial diet designed for cats. Although superficially similar, dog diets are not suitable for cats. Cat diets come in three basic types: canned & pouched (moist), semi-moist, and dry. In addition, there is a large range of treats available. Cats can be finicky feeders, and many owners find that the cat itself determines the feeding regime. Discuss the available diets with the Petstop staff.

One word of warning – cows’ milk is not good for cats. It can cause upset stomachs. Special milk for cats is available and is far better for their health.

To keep their digestion healthy, cats with access to the garden will nibble grass from time to time. If you plan to keep your cat indoors, you should grow it a tub of cat grass.

Fresh clean water must be available to your cat at all times. This is especially important if your cat is fed a dry diet.

Play-time

Cats like to practice their hunting skills by playing. Most games consist of some version of chase. There is a large range of toys for cats available. You can also make toys. At their simplest, a piece of dangling string will keep a cat amused. Keep a selection of toys and offer them in rotation so that your cat does not tire of them.

A Healthy Coat

Most short-haired cats will not need grooming; they will do an excellent job by themselves. However, long-haired or sick cats will need brushing with a special cat brush and a comb.

Health Care

Your new kitten should be vaccinated against a range of feline diseases. In addition, it should receive a booster shot each year. All cats should be wormed regularly, and checked for fleas. Build up a good relationship with your local vet, and do not hesitate to visit your vet whenever your cat has a problem.

Every cat, whether male or female, should be neutered. This is vital. Thousands of unwanted stray cats and kittens are euthanased each year. Every owner should take responsibility for their cat and have it neutered to help prevent this appalling situation. In addition, entire toms will spray urine to mark their territory – not a great situation in your house!